Governing CO2 Information: An Organisational and Data-Governance Model for Sustainable Procurement

Abstract

Companies now collect more information about the greenhouse gas emissions of what they buy than ever before, yet much of it never shapes a purchasing decision. This review examined why carbon information so often remains unused in procurement and proposed an organisational and data-governance model to close the gap. A doctoral analysis of information processes in sustainable procurement was synthesised with open-access research published between 2021 and 2026, covering data governance, data ecosystems, sustainable procurement and supply-chain carbon accounting. Carbon information emerged as a layered system in which data, digital systems, decision models and organisational structures depend on one another, so that a weakness in any layer disables the rest. Two layers that practice neglects most received closest attention. At the data-governance layer, reliability rested on clear ownership of each figure, harmonised calculation and verification standards, and reporting arranged to protect data quality. The organisational layer demanded more: a deliberate balance between central and local control, standing coordination among procurement, sustainability and technical functions, carbon indicators built into sourcing targets, and staff able to interpret emissions figures. Evidence from public purchasing and from firm-level studies indicated that disciplined procurement governance measurably lowered emissions. The review concluded that the obstacle to acting on carbon information is organisational before it is technical, and that assigning responsibility and governance should precede further investment in measurement tools. Keywords: carbon information governance, data governance, sustainable procurement, organisational design, data ownership, scope 3 emissions, supplier carbon data